Dear Athletes/Families/Fans of the NE”A”,
We as a league want to provide an update on “Fall Sports” as we begin to navigate this unique time in schools and athletics. With the announcement that the “East Region” of Washington State in Phase II the NE”A” is able to have athletic practices and competitions!!! The following guidelines have been unanimously adopted for this “Fall” season, and will be revisited as needed and as we progress into “Spring” and “Winter” Seasons.

NE”A” FALL SEASON DATES:
February 20th: Football may begin practice
February 22nd: Cross Country, Girls Soccer, Volleyball and Cheer may begin practice

SEASON SCHEDULES/COMPETITIONS:
WIAA guidelines allow for 70% of the contests of a traditional year. This includes regular season and league championship/tournament opportunities. In order to maximize league play opportunities we will not have any non-league contests. ?Schedules are subject to change. When sports allow it, the league championships/tournaments will be the culminating event (no “state” tournaments).

COVID PROTOCOLS AND SAFETY MEASURES:
Each school will strictly follow the guidance of their school district to ensure the safety of all participants and spectators. Masks are ?required? for all participants/coaches/spectators at all times (with the exception of runners during XC competitions).

SPECTATORS:
The NE”A” has developed policies in accordance with the Governor’s guidance, to allow for a limited number of ?Home Team? spectators only at all contests in Phase 2. The 200 individual limit includes all players, participants, coaches, referees, game staff, other team personnel and home spectators. Visiting spectators will not be allowed entry.

STREAMING EVENTS:
Member schools are working to stream as many events as possible. With the limit on spectators, we have placed a priority on streaming events live. The hope is to lessen the burden of limited in person spectators and allow for as many events as possible to still be watched. Your school’s athletic department will be communicating the streaming opportunities to you.

INDIVIDUALS PERMITTED
VISITING SCHOOL HOME SCHOOL
Football 50 Individuals Total: players, coaches, managers, medical,supervisor, etc.
Cross County 50 Individuals Total: runners, coaches, managers, medical, supervisor, etc
Volleyball 50 Individuals Total: players (C/JV/V), coaches, managers, medical, supervisor, etc
Girls Soccer 50 Individuals Total: players, coaches, managers, medical, supervisor, etc

No Spectators- approved team personnel only.
Remaining Individuals To Not Exceed 200: players, coaches, managers, medical, event staff, cheer, band (if applicable), home spectators, etc.

Up to Two (2) Spectators Allowed Per Uniformed Participant

Member schools will determine home spectator admittance procedures.

As we move into the NEA fall sports season, we ask for your cooperation and help. Please remember the end goal that we have in mind: we are doing this for the kids. We are excited about providing opportunities for our student-athletes. Thank you in advance for your grace, patience and flexibility as we move through this ?together?.

Respectfully,
NEA Athletic Directors
Jeff Pietz Lakeside AD
Justin Blayne Medical Lake AD
Megan Smedley Colville AD
Brett Mackey Newport AD
Kris Herda Freeman AD
Ryan Bodecker Riverside AD
Keith Stamps Deer Park AD
Joe Richer NEA Secretary